Whatu-kura

A tipua of the Whanau-a-Apanui tribe. It is an heirloom that is greatly venerated. It is a red stone, carved in order to represent a phallic emblem. This kura is rarely seen and is only exhibited on great occasion, such as the death of a man of rank. In such cases it is suspended from the overhanging gable of the tribal council house.

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